In the vibrant city of Eugene, there’s community, creativity, and a growing sense of style that reflects the spirit of its people. Valerie Sharr, a born and raised Oregonian, lives in this city and I’d claim she is Eugene’s ultimate fashionista. Sharr, dedicated to fashion and her Eugene community, expresses her passion for fashion styling and advancing local community endeavors.

Sharr is the youngest of six kids, which meant she was always left with the hand-me-downs and the clothes made by her mother, an excellent seamstress. Her passion for fashion stemmed from her mother’s exquisite taste in style and clothing, paving the way for Sharr to follow the same path, but in a different light. She pursued a degree in Fashion Merchandising from Brookes College in Southern California, which led her back to her hometown of Eugene. 

Sharr’s commitment to her community mirrors her approach to fashion—both are driven by a desire to inspire confidence and connection. Whether serving on multiple boards in Eugene or curating her style, Sharr sees fashion as more than just clothing; it’s a means of self-expression. As she puts it, “Fashion gives me a level of confidence, it just makes me feel good.”

As we explore Sharr’s world of fashion, what are the go-to style tips she’ll always cherish?

1. Always wear five accessories with your outfit. 
2. Invest in good shoes. 

There will never be a day when you see Valerie Sharr leave her house without these two essential details in her wardrobe. 

“There’s never a time you shouldn’t wear your 5 accessories. You can take ripped blue jeans, a white T-shirt, put your hair in a ponytail-you and look sloppy, but put on a necklace, some rings, bangles, and a cute little hat, and you’re totally put together,” said Sharr. 

In my opinion, this is the ultimate trick to being fashionable: accessories elevate every aspect of an outfit and bring character to your look. They not only define individuality but also highlight personal style, serving as a powerful form of self-expression to the world.

Second to accessories is the power of shoes. High-quality footwear not only enhances your overall appearance but also ensures practicality and comfort, making it a worthwhile investment. As Sharr states, “Always invest in good shoes because if your feet are hurting, your whole day is ruined.” 

As Valerie Sharr opens up about her styling tips and her passion for fashion, she radiates confidence and compassion, qualities she extends to her community. Sharr is an active member of the Eugene community, in more ways than one. Apart from her involvement in multiple local clubs, she has created a local consignment pop-up shop, alongside her business partner Jennifer Richardson, called Sip & Seams. This business combines the opportunity to earn money, shop for high-end fashion, build a stylish wardrobe, and ultimately give back to the community.

It’s evident that she combines fashion with lifestyle and creates ways to share that with her community. Sharr is Eugene’s fashionista, not only for her impeccable style but also for her genuine kindness. 

As we wrap up, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Valerie Sharr for sharing her incredible journey and insights into fashion and her community. Her story is a testament to the power of style and the importance of individuality.